Above (l-r): Alan Shao, Patrick Kish, Steve Kish, Jonathan Kish, Brumby McLeod
Queen Street Hospitality Group has announced the establishment of an endowed fund to provide scholarships to students involved in hospitality and tourism management in the School of Business at the College of Charleston.
The annual scholarship is a celebration of the retirement of Charleston culinary community icon, Steve Kish. Kish is the proud owner of 82 Queen, Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen and Jalisco Taqueria & Tequila. As a founding member of the American Culinary Federation, a Charleston Restaurant Association Board member and a Taste of Charleston and Lowcountry Oyster Festival chairman, Kish has passionately served the restaurant community for 40 years, and now looks forward to awarding a deserving student with a similar passion for the industry.
“To see my life’s work celebrated by the development of this scholarship is a true honor,” said Kish. “I’m humbled to have had such a successful and longstanding career in Charleston’s ever-evolving culinary scene, and to be able to propel the next generation of culinary professionals forward brings it all full circle.”
Fitting seamlessly into the vibrant hospitality and tourism industry of the city, the College’s hospitality and tourism management program is committed to providing students with a high-quality, comprehensive hospitality management education with applied opportunities throughout the community.
“I would like to thank Steve Kish for making a difference in the lives of our hospitality students,” said Alan T. Shao, dean of the College of Charleston School of Business. “His meaningful generosity illustrates how intertwined the School of Business is with the business community, and we are grateful for the opportunities it awards our students.”
The first recipient of the Queen Street Hospitality Group scholarship will be named in the fall of 2022. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate financial need as determined by the College of Charleston Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs Office and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, and those who are working in the restaurant industry while attending college. The recipient will be selected by the scholarship committee in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management based on the outlined criteria. Students can apply via the Cougar Scholarship Award System (CSAS).
“Because of Steve’s support, students will be able to fully immerse themselves in a guest-focused destination education where academics, community and industry meet in a unique way. I congratulate Steve on his retirement and thank him for paying it forward with our students,” said Brumby McLeod, chair of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
